MV Coho Ferry to Victoria

The MV Coho is one of the great short sea crossings of the Pacific Northwest: a car-and-passenger ferry that links Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula to the Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia, in about 90 minutes. The vessel, operated by Black Ball Ferry Line, has been making the crossing for decades, and it carries cars, bicycles, walk-on passengers and the occasional tour group. For visitors, the attraction is twofold: a scenic voyage with chances to see seabirds, sea lions, porpoises and sometimes orcas or humpback whales, and an easy way to turn a peninsula trip into an international city break.

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is famous for its harbor, historic Empress Hotel, Butchart Gardens and its afternoon tea tradition. Arriving by ferry puts you directly in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the legislature, museums and shopping streets. Many travelers make the crossing as a day trip, leaving Port Angeles in the morning and returning in the evening, while others stay a night or two. There is a separate Victoria market on this site for planning what to do once you are there.

Border formalities matter. You need a valid passport or other accepted travel document, and the ferry terminal handles US and Canadian customs at the respective ports. Check entry requirements for your citizenship before you book, including any rules on bringing food, alcohol or other goods. If you are taking a vehicle, factor in the extra fare and the time for checking in and clearing customs. Many visitors find it simpler to walk on and use Victoria's compact downtown.

Schedules and fares vary by season. The ferry typically operates more crossings in summer and fewer in winter, and sailings can be altered by weather or maintenance. Reservations are strongly recommended for vehicles, especially in July and August, and walk-on tickets are available but can sell out at peak times. Always check the operator's current timetable, fares and boarding times before you plan your trip, and arrive early for check-in.

On board, there is a snack bar, indoor seating and open decks for views. The strait can be breezy and cool even in summer, so bring a jacket. Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly around the middle of the crossing and near Race Rocks, and if you spot a pod of orcas, expect the whole boat to crowd the rail. Seasickness is rare but possible in rough weather, so take precautions if you are prone.

If you plan a day trip, build the schedule backward from the return sailing and leave a buffer for customs lines in Victoria. A walk from the terminal to the Inner Harbour takes only a few minutes, and the Royal BC Museum, Parliament Buildings and Fisherman's Wharf are all close. For a longer stay, consider leaving your vehicle in Port Angeles and traveling as a foot passenger.

Check whether your phone plan covers Canada, carry a copy of your documents, and make sure your return reservation is confirmed before you leave. Food prices in Victoria are in Canadian dollars, so bring a card that works abroad, and remember that duty-free limits apply when you return to the United States.